NEW YORK – The Arena Football League enters its third decade with a new broadcast partner that happens to own a portion of the 19-team organization.

ESPN signed a five-year deal to telecast games, including a Monday night package. The AFL kicks off its 21st season when Nashville plays host to Columbus tonight.

“ESPN ends up being the largest single owner in the AFL,” AFL commissioner David Baker said. “We want the strongest incentives for them in growing the Arena Football League. It’s the longest agreement we’ve had with anybody.”

Not that the AFL hasn’t done pretty well in growing its 50-yard game over the years. The American Football League, World League, USFL and XFL combined didn’t last as long as Baker’s league. When he took over as commissioner, franchises were available for about $400,000. Now, an expansion team would go for about $20 million.